Everyone hopes to wear their favorite jewelry at all times and is reluctant to take it off even when taking a shower; we receive similar inquiries almost every day:
“Can I take this jewelry with me in the shower?”
Seeing everyone’s eagerly anticipating eyes, I really want to say yes! But seriously, before answering this question, I need to ask: How do you take a shower?
This article,
The causes of discoloration of jewelry will be explained in detail.
And what kind of jewelry can you take with you in the shower?
And which ones are absolutely not allowed?
Moisture or humidity is the culprit for metal oxidation discoloration
All metals will undergo oxidation reactions at any time in the presence of water and oxygen. The most extreme oxidation reaction in life is iron embroidery.
Different metals have different oxidation rates, and the colors of their oxides are also different. For example, the often-called patina is because the oxide of copper is green, while silver turns black because the oxide of silver is black, and the oxide is attached to it. Covers the original metal surface, making the jewelry no longer shiny.
“Four major problems” that may be caused by wearing jewelry in the shower
- Accelerated oxidation: Humid water vapor will accelerate metal oxidation.
- Gemstones are afraid of detergents/skin care products: Gemstones on jewelry may be damaged by erosion from cleaning and skin care products. For example, if porous opal is soaked in oil products for a long time, it will absorb oil and remove the oil paint. Fragile gemstones such as coral are very sensitive to pH value and will cause corrosion when exposed to acidic skin care products.
- Accumulation of scale and soap scum: Scale or soap scum may accumulate in metal gaps or details of jewelry, causing the jewelry to become dull or harbor dirt in the long run.
- Accidental collision or pulling: Accidental pulling and collision may occur during the bathing process, causing chain breakage or gem damage and other damages.
Metal that is not easily oxidized is suitable for taking a bath
Gold, platinum and other precious metals are the least likely to oxidize. In terms of oxidation level alone, these precious metals that are not easily oxidized are a good choice for wearing in the shower.
However, if you frequently use exfoliating products such as acidic or scrubbing products, it is difficult to guarantee that the surface will not be scratched and atomized in the long run, and gradually lose its luster. But the good thing is that precious metals can be restored to their luster through re-polishing.
The silver oxidation is also perfect!
After gold and platinum, sterling silver is also a precious metal.
Pure silver will have extreme oxidation reactions with sulfur, iodine, chlorine, and nitric acid, producing black oxides. This black oxide is also called silver oxide. Sometimes, in order to present a retro-style jewelry, the silver will be deliberately cultured. The oxidized silver jewelry has different shades and a gentle craftsmanship.
Silver-suitable constitution
The problem of sterling silver jewelry turning black due to oxidation is often a headache. However, some people start to blacken their silver jewelry soon after wearing it, while others wear it every day and it always looks new. This gave rise to the saying of silver-suitable constitution, and the saying of using silver jewelry to judge physical condition.
In fact, the factors that affect whether sterling silver is easy to turn black can be attributed to the following factors:
Three reasons why pure silver turns black easily
- Personal sweat volume
Human sweat contains trace amounts of sulfur (a substance that easily causes pure silver to oxidize); if you have a sweaty body that is often wet and sticky, the silver jewelry you wear may turn black more easily.
It is recommended to rinse with clean water after sweating a lot, and then air-dry and store. This can wash away the oxides in the sweat in time, and also help keep the pure silver clean, but please remember that it must be stored in a dry place when not worn, and it is best to keep it sealed.
- Oxides in the environment
Air pollution is also the culprit for the oxidation of jewelry.
The exhaust gas emitted by cars and motorcycles contains a large amount of sulfur dioxide. In a humid environment, sulfur dioxide will turn into sulfide and cause metal oxidation. Jewelry that does not turn black in Switzerland, where the air is clean, may turn black within a week if brought to a city with severe smog and humidity.
- Environmental humidity
In a dry environment, even if you sweat a lot, your skin will quickly return to dryness, so pure silver is not easy to oxidize; on the contrary, even if you are not prone to sweating, the humidity in the environment will cause your skin to become wet and sticky, which can easily lead to pure silver oxidation.
“Don’t” wear jewelry in the shower
- Jewelry inlaid with gemstones
Most natural gemstones are hard and durable, and in principle are not afraid of water, but it is not recommended to let cleaning agents and skin care products come into contact with gemstones, especially porous gemstones such as pearls, opals, corals, etc. The natural pores of gemstones may absorb chemical liquids and change in quality. Natural patterns are also prone to accumulate scale and soap scum, and dirt is the main reason why gemstones are not shiny. - Electroplated jewelry
There are many ways to electroplating, but no matter what, the electroplating layer is independent of the metal body. Long-term friction and use will consume the electroplating layer, and wearing it in the shower will accelerate this process.
Why does electroplating that does not oxidize in Europe turn black in Taiwan?
When I lived in London, I bought a lot of jewelry. Although many second-hand jewelry was not karat gold, the electroplating layer was still bright after a long time. The color was old but not completely faded.
Who would have thought that as soon as I returned to Taiwan, these old bronze gold colors quickly oxidized into a black and foggy appearance!
While feeling sad, I also found that this is a very difficult problem.
In Taiwan’s humid and hot environment, except for karat gold, almost all electroplated jewelry is difficult to maintain. It is no wonder that the trend of wearing jewelry and fashion accessories in Taiwan is far less than that in Europe.